Former West Indies captain Brian Lara has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to create a Champions League of Test matches to enhance the life of the longest format of the game.

A move for such a series was on before it was ruled out by the ICC last year until at least 2017, which Lara believes could be too late.

“It’s important that there is some league,” Lara said in an interview with news.com.au where he spoke at length about how its time for the ICC to make amends in the way they schedule Test cricket.

“That mundane exercise of Test series after Test series, I believe the time for that has gone,” he added and spoke about the interests that a Champions League-like format will generate among fans.

Lara feels that there is a disparity in world cricket with regards to the number of Test matches played by each team.

“Obviously the Ashes is something of great importance, but I believe in a holistic look at Test cricket - if the ICC creates a league, the interest will come back,” he said. “Some teams are playing more Test matches because of TV rights and money. Some teams don’t want to play other teams.

“I believe there should be some equality in it, to bring some sanity to the game.

“It’s just meandering along, and that could be the big thing that could cause the game to lose its fans.”

Another former West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards also shared a similar view and hoped for an avenue that could bring excitement back to Test cricket.

First Published on November 19, 2012, 11:48 amLast updated on November 19, 2012, 11:48 am